Music Climate Pact partners with Deezer to publish ‘Sound Choices’: 10 easy tips for more sustainable music streaming
The Music Climate Pact (MCP) has teamed up with music streaming service Deezer to publish Sound Choices – a best practise guide on how all of us as music fans can reduce the impact our streaming has on the environment without lessening the listening experience we all cherish.
The top 10 easy tips have been developed by the Music Climate Pact’s Digital Working Group (DGW) based on researched best practise.
The guidance was launched at EarthFest 2026 – the Future of Music & Entertainment summit held at Sony Music UK, London on 24th June and was discussed on a The Journey of a Song panel featuring Music Climate Pact Working Group Co-Chairs Caroline Hanson (Warp Records) and Ian Stanton (Beggars), and moderated by Music Climate Pact Project Manager, Roxy Erickson.
With just a few easy modifications in the way that all of us as music fans discover and access our favourite songs and albums online and via our personal devices, we can readily reduce the impact our music listening has on the environment – but without diluting the sonic experience and pleasure this gives us. And if all music fans were to do this consistently and across the planet, these relatively marginal actions could have a measurable collective impact on creating a more sustainable future. See top 10 easy tips below.
The Streaming tips are part of a range of important initiatives that Music Climate Pact Signatories and Supporters have been collectively working on over the past 24 months to identify and act on opportunities for the recorded music sector to reduce the environmental impact of the industry and beyond. These are outlined in the Music Climate Pact’s Annual Report for 2026, which can be found here.
MCP Digital Working Group Co-Chairs, Caroline Hansen (Head of Operations, Warp Records), Lewis Jamieson (CEO, Music Declares Emergency) and Helen Smith (Executive Chair, IMPALA), said:
“This exercise is about helping fans to reduce their impact while listening to all their favourite music. With the busy lives we all lead it’s useful to have a few simple tips in one place. To collaborate with Deezer on this is a privilege as we all look for ways to work together to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Cynthia Rouilly, Workplace & Sustainability Director, Deezer, said:
"At Deezer, we believe music streaming and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We are proud to support the Music Climate Pact's Fan Tips, which empower listeners to enjoy music while reducing their environmental footprint. Small actions, multiplied across millions of fans, can make a real difference."
Roxy Erickson, Music Climate Pact Project Manager, added:
“The Pact’s Signatories and Supporters have been making quiet strides with Working Groups focusing on priorities around vinyl production, digital engagement, and climate training, because we know that a sustainable music industry requires change everywhere. While much of the effort in creating sustainable digital music distribution clearly rests with the industry and with streaming providers, fans can play their part too – and we want them to feel empowered as partners in this process to help drive meaningful change. We are excited to share these top 10 easy tips for streaming – and our thanks to Deezer and all the stakeholders for their support on this.
“This is just the beginning, and the Music Climate Pact will look to ramp up its communications and education initiatives going forward, drawing also on the powerful voices of artists who champion environmental sustainability.”
‘Sound Choices’: 10 easy tips for more sustainable music streaming
Hold on to your devices for longer: Delay your next upgrade. Purchase refurbished tech. Repair rather than replace when possible.
Switch to a renewable energy provider at home: Look up green energy suppliers in your area. Ask your landlord about switching.
Opt for audio-only streaming (when video isn’t needed): When possible, use platforms or settings that allow audio-only playback, and disable video, especially when you are listening rather than watching.
Avoid using multiple devices simultaneously: Choose one “main” device for listening and disconnect others.
Reduce screen brightness and battery usage: Use the app in dark mode, listen with the screen off or enable battery saving settings while listening.
Limit data use and choose lower audio quality when possible: Select “standard” or “low” quality for non-critical listening, use data saving mode if available, turn off autoplay and avoid AI-powered features when not needed (e.g. DJ, Mix, and Ask For).
Download music at home on Wi-Fi (not using mobile data): Pre-load your favourite albums or playlists on Wi-Fi before heading out. Use offline mode on your streaming service when on the move.
Make music listening intentional, close apps when not in use: Reduce background use, be mindful of autoplay, use a sleep timer and close apps and devices when not listening. Consider a ‘music hour’ to really enjoy an album in full.
Download music instead of streaming repeatedly: If you play the same album more than three times a week, it’s worth downloading it.
Review your settings regularly: Adjust as many settings as you can on your streaming service and device. Disable unnecessary push notifications, limit AI functions, etc. Set reminders to check settings.